I'm new to upgrading newer cars and I guess you can say set in my ways. My question is why do I need CAI? I'm having trouble understanding why I need something that cost so much for such little gains that I feel I can get from a clean K&N filter. I don't see where I'm getting any extra air coming in that would justify needing that setup. Can anyone please explain to me why I need it other than "New cars just need it" or "It is needed with headers because u need the extra air coming in because of the exhaust going out." All input will be greatly appreciated.

Im no expert here but CAI allows a greater volume of air to enter your engine (thus the modest hp increase). Greater "cold" airflow also drops the temperature in the engine block so along with better hp, you get faster throttle response, better fuel economy and greater engine life....plus it is an easy DIY mod (it won't void your warranty either as long as you get one that does not require a tune). It should be noted that the new Z-28 and Ford Shelby come with CAI.

My CAI intake raised my MPG by 2. It also has better throttle response and sounds pretty cool. I knew I needed it for my future mods, I'll also have to get Long tube headers. You wont need a CAI unless your application requires it. I did it for the HP gains and better MPG

I don't want it because of the price to gain ratio. I will buy it if anyone can honestly explain to me why I need but so far no one can other than saying the camaro just needs it. I recently ordered the 1 7/8 TSP long tube headers with off road extensions and within the next month or 2 I will be ordering a cam from them as well.

Your engine is basically a big air pump. The greater the volume of air you can efficiently suck in and blow out the more power you can make. The thing you have to keep in mind is that your engine is a system of systems and each one effects and builds on the other. If you upgrade one area and not the others then you will not see the full benefit of that upgrade.

Your engine is basically a big air pump. The greater the volume of air you can efficiently suck in and blow out the more power you can make. The thing you have to keep in mind is that your engine is a system of systems and each one effects and builds on the other. If you upgrade one area and not the others then you will not see the full benefit of that upgrade.

I agree 100%.

With long tubes but stock intake they wouldn't be able to take full advantage of the Long tubes correct?

Your engine is basically a big air pump. The greater the volume of air you can efficiently suck in and blow out the more power you can make. The thing you have to keep in mind is that your engine is a system of systems and each one effects and builds on the other. If you upgrade one area and not the others then you will not see the full benefit of that upgrade.

About to say that, but someone beat me to it (that also has the proper experience).